The war between the immortals and demons was in full swing, with Yin Wuhui determined to drag everyone down with him.

While Hua Che was meditating, Chu Binghuan went out and returned with the war reports from the past year.

"Both the immortal and demon paths have suffered heavy losses. As it stands, either both sides agree to a ceasefire and call it a draw, or they continue to fight until one side is completely annihilated," Chu Binghuan said. "The left guardian is dead, and the right guardian's whereabouts are unknown. Yin Wuhui, without his two hands, is also struggling."

Hua Che, having missed a year of events, was momentarily at a loss. After a pause, he asked: "What about my master and the others..."

"They're all fine." Chu Binghuan took out a robe from his sleeve to drape over Hua Che, worried he might catch a cold after his recent illness. "But Mu Rongsa suffered a severe injury."

Hua Che's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly asked: "What happened to Sasa?"

Chu Binghuan said, "He’s fine. It was Master Mu who was severely injured in a battle with the Ten Directions Master half a month ago. He’s still in a coma. My uncle says that even if he wakes up, he’ll have to rely on a wheelchair for the rest of his life."

A wave of bitterness surged in Hua Che's heart, and he hesitated to speak.

People always have to grow up.

The carefree young boy of the past now had to bear the weight of his family's heavy responsibilities on his slender shoulders.

"Let's go back!" Hua Che stood up, taking a few steps with Chu Binghuan before suddenly remembering something and turning back.

Chu Binghuan asked, "What is it?"

"Coming all this way, I can't leave empty-handed, can I?" Hua Che said with a sly grin. "Do you know how many treasures there are in Fen Qing Palace?"

Chu Binghuan yanked him back, "A gentleman acts openly and justly; don’t do wrong even in small matters."

Hua Che was dumbfounded. Was Chu Binghuan, who nearly became a demonic cultivator, telling him, the former Demon Lord, not to steal?

Chu Binghuan also felt a bit awkward.

"This isn't stealing," Hua Che instructed seriously. "It's called seizing spoils."

Chu Binghuan was left speechless.

So, the good boy Chu Binghuan was led astray by the mischievous Hua Che. Hand in hand, they sneaked into the treasury of Fen Qing Palace. Seeing the room filled with rare treasures, while Chu Binghuan regarded them as mere dirt, Hua Che was so delighted he spun around in circles.

"Look, Yuanling Grass (NT: ‘origin of the universe’. Spiritual herb often mentioned in cultivation novels), priceless! Look, Hunyuan Pill (NT: ‘original essence’ pill, enhances cultivation), invaluable!" Hua Che opened his sleeve pouch and started packing.

Chu Binghuan shook his head helplessly.

Greed is human nature.

Hua Che said cheerfully, "We ventured deep into enemy territory. How can we leave without some souvenirs? Besides, our Lingxiao Palace is so poor. A few gems will help spruce up the place."

Poor?

You can’t judge things by appearances alone.

The eldest disciple was the ancient beast Qiongqi. While disciples two through five were minor characters, the sixth disciple was backed by Fengming Valley, the seventh by Yuntian Shuijing, and the eighth by Yeyou Mansion. With such strong backing, who would dare say Zhuo Tian was insignificant or that Lingxiao Palace was at the bottom among the immortal sects?

Though Chu Binghuan could only silently retort, he enjoyed watching Hua Che's little greedy expressions, finding it particularly pleasing to the eye.

Suddenly, he couldn’t help but fantasize. If they got married in the future and Hua Che managed all the finances, he’d have to apply to Hua Che for any expenses. Hua Che would hold the treasury keys, lecturing him on frugality while reluctantly handing over the spirit stones.

As Chu Binghuan's thoughts wandered, he couldn't help but smile.

To avoid worrying their elders, Hua Che and Chu Binghuan decided against setting the Fen Qing Palace on fire. Instead, they flew back to the main camp of the Immortal Dao hand in hand.

From a distance, they could see Mu Rongsa and others battling demonic cultivators.

After six months apart, Chu Binghuan felt as though it had been a lifetime, especially since their last parting wasn't pleasant.

"Holy crap, you two are really alive!" Mu Rongsa nearly burst into tears, throwing himself at them for a hug.

While wiping his tears, Mu Rongsa arrogantly said, "There were rumours among the demonic cultivators that you two were dead. Bullshit! How could my junior brothers die so easily!"

Mu Rongsa was still the same, chattering non-stop. Leading Hua Che towards the camp, he eagerly recounted the events of the past year.

Seeing Mu Rongsa’s radiant and spirited demeanour, Hua Che realized his worries were unnecessary. After all, who was Mu Rongsa? Could such setbacks really bring him down? Even if he had initially faltered, with Zhuo Tian, Lin Yan, and Chu Binghuan around, there was no way Mu Rongsa could remain stagnant.

Back at the camp, the Immortal Dao cultivators were shocked to see Chu Binghuan. He exuded an ethereal, pure aura, free of any corruption. He had left a year ago, cloaked in darkness, and now returned pristine and immaculate.

Reactions varied—some were joyous, others in tears. The cultivators from Yuntian Shuijing, especially, swarmed around their young master, chattering endlessly.

"Master Chu is amazing, he actually killed the Left Guardian of the Fen Qing Palace!"

"Indeed, what a great achievement!"

Chu Binghuan then met with Chu Changfeng. Chu Changfeng didn't say much, merely nodded and patted Chu Binghuan's shoulder. "It's good to have you back."

Chu Binghuan replied softly, "Thanks to Hua Che."

"And the Left Guardian?"

"He underestimated me because of my age; otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy."

"As long as you're safe," Chu Changfeng said, feeling reassured.

A gentle breeze blew, and the sky began to lighten as the sun rose.

Lin Yan came to see Hua Che on the fourth day. He and Zhuo Tian had flown miles away to find those missing in battles against the demonic cultivators and bring them back to the camp for treatment by Yuntian Shuijing healers.

After several trips, it was on the fourth day that he learned Hua Che and Chu Binghuan had returned.

The master and disciple were overjoyed. It was reported that Wen Yuan had regained his sanity. Over the years, he had followed Zhuo Tian in eradicating demons and protecting the way over the year. Thanks to his efforts and Fengming Valley's unwavering support, the cultivators gradually accepted him, though some still regarded him with suspicion. He wisely kept a low profile, ensuring a peaceful coexistence over the past year.

As for Lin Yan...

Lin Yan was heartbroken.

The egg that had refused to hatch finally did. He excitedly told his senior brothers that it was likely a Chongming bird. As everyone gathered around, watching with anticipation, a tiny, slender creature emerged, flicking its tongue...

Lin Yan's heart sank.

Of course, luck couldn't be that favourable. Was one Chongming bird not enough? One shouldn’t be too greedy.

It was the offspring of Qingcheng Peak's master. As a young snake, it seemed ordinary, but once grown, it would become a man-eater.

Unlike Wen Yuan, this creature had no spiritual consciousness, making it impossible to discern good from evil. To it, all humans, including its master, were merely food, existing solely to satiate its hunger.

So, Mu Rongsa raised his sword and decisively struck the little snake down.

Lin Yan, feeling the loss of his "beloved child," was downcast for several days.

Upon hearing of Hua Che and Chu Binghuan’s triumphant return, Lin Yan cried until his eyes were swollen, sharing all the joys and sorrows of the past year. Meanwhile, Zhuo Tian paced around the courtyard ten times. Chu Binghuan expected a reprimand from his master, but Zhuo Tian simply sighed and affectionately patted Chu Binghuan's head.

Unlike the previous reactions of criticism, disappointment, or anger from others, Zhuo Tian only embraced Chu Binghuan and softly said, "Child, you’ve suffered."

These few words brought tears to Chu Binghuan's eyes.

"You and Qingkong have a lot of past experiences that we don’t know about or understand. But don’t let them weigh you down. Even if you don’t want to talk to others about it, at least share with Qingkong. You both have endured similar sufferings and can empathize with each other. Those memories, those experiences, all the joys and sorrows, belong to both of you alone."

It’s because of those joys and sorrows that you've become who you are today, right?

Chu Binghuan nodded slightly.

Zhuo Tian warmly smiled, "Thankfully, the storm has passed, and the skies are clear now."

*

Seven days later, Chu Binghuan fought valiantly against the leaders of the Ten Directions. The third, fourth, and fifth leaders were killed, while the sixth, seventh, and eighth were injured. This battle earned him the title of Yunmiao Jun. (NT: (云渺君) litt. Lord vast clouds)

Both the Immortal Dao cultivators and Fen Qing Palace suffered heavy losses. Now, the Fen Qing Palace was solely supported by Yin Wuhui. Once he died, the palace’s fate would be sealed.

Moreover, Hua Che had an unexpected joy.

In his past life, Chu Binghuan had used the konghou to lock Hua Che’s remnant soul, causing Hua Che to be born with an incomplete soul in this life, leading to frailty and illness. Chu Binghuan had regretted his actions, believing he had harmed Hua Che. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The remnant soul from his past life, through the medium of the konghou, returned to Hua Che’s body, completing his soul and naturally curing his frailty.

Additionally, that remnant soul carried the cultivation from his past life!

Although only a tenth of it, Hua Che’s past life cultivation was so profound that even a tenth was enough to break through Yin Wuhui’s Golden Core seal.

Thus, Hua Che joined the final large group heading towards the Fen Qing Palace.

He walked familiarly to the main hall’s entrance. From a distance, he saw Yin Wuhui seated on the throne.

A year had passed, but this once arrogant demon Lord hadn’t changed much, except his eyes had become dull and vacant, lost in thought.

Hua Che walked in slowly.

Hearing the movement, Yin Wuhui turned to look at Hua Che.

Moonlight stretched Hua Che’s shadow long. His face was hidden in the dim light, but his phoenix eyes were exceptionally bright.

Yin Wuhui’s heart trembled, and he instinctively called out, "Sijin."

Hua Che stopped, no longer advancing.

Yin Wuhui hastily stood up from his throne, and in his hurry, he stumbled over something on the ground. He staggered forward, almost crawling, until he reached Hua Che. Absent-mindedly, he exclaimed, "Sijin, it's really you! It's really you, hahaha! You've come back, just as this venerable one expected!"

In his previous life, Yin Wuhui had been like this, mature in heart and insane in mind.

But this life, it had come three hundred years early.

"Che'er."

A gentle voice came from behind, and Hua Che paused, turning around to see Xie Wanting.

Yin Wuhui, who had initially looked affectionate, suddenly turned grim. He pulled Hua Che behind him and glared fiercely at Xie Wanting. "Sijin belongs to me! You insignificant ant, how dare you covet this venerable one's woman!"

Xie Wanting ignored him and said to Hua Che, "The Shangqing Immortal Sect has yet to capture Lu Yao. He should still be in the Fen Qing Palace. Go find him. Leave this to me."

Hua Che hesitated. "But..."

"Don't worry," Xie Wanting said lightly, "With his current state, he's no match for me."

Hua Che smiled contentedly. Indeed, demonic cultivators feared spiritual cultivators, especially someone like Yin Wuhui. With just a strum of the ancient qin by Xie Wanting, the outcome was self-evident.

Hua Che left with peace of mind.

Before long, he heard Yin Wuhui's curses, followed by the sound of the Jiuyou Qin. Shortly after, Yin Wuhui's furious roar echoed through the air like a madman.

 

Translator: DarNan